Now that it’s summer in North America, everyone wants to be outside and get a wonderful golden tan. However, as we expose ourselves to harmful radiation, the skin naturally wrinkles, creases, and creates dark spots and rough patches in an attempt to protect itself.
Because of these changes in the skin’s appearance and texture, people have been seeking ways to treat these natural occurrences in order to achieve a more youthful, health appearance. The most popular ways to get rid of any imperfections would be with a Botox procedure, microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel.
Botox is a treatment that uses a small amount of poison that, in larger doses, can create muscle paralysis. However in smaller amounts the botox is used to relax facial muscles, thus reducing the appearance of aging. People are starting to understand that there are many benefit of botox, which resulted in the number of procedures in the US to rise 8% from 2012 to 2013.
Another, perhaps lesser known option would be the chemical peel. When administered and performed properly, the best chemical peel will dramatically reduce lines, wrinkles, acne scars, roughness, and dark sports that are caused by years of sun exposure. Although the average age of a patient receiving Botox falls between 40 and 59, that same age group is starting to seek chemical peel treatments as an alternative method.
But what is a chemical peel? This type of procedure is used to smooth the texture of skin. The chemical solution used causes dead skin to eventually peel off. Afterwards, the regenerated skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the older skin on top of it. It is highly recommended that patients seek out a professional dermatologist of cosmetic surgeon to undergo this treatment.
There are various types of chemical peels, all of which however involve some sort of acidic compound.
- Alpha hydroxy acid peels are comprised of carboxylic acids that is derived from sugar cane juice and lactic acid. This is a very mild form of chemical peel and is naturally based.
- Beta hydroxy acid peels are used in place of alpha hydroxy acid peels because this chemical solution can penetrate deeper into the skin’s pores, thus creating a more pronounced change in skin complexion.
- Retinoic acid peel is a stronger option than the beta previously mentioned. This is used to remove scars as well as deeper-set wrinkles and pigmentation issues. One can only receive this type of treatment in a medical office or medical spa setting.
Note that local anesthesia is normally used in order to minimize any discomfort the patient may have, as there can be some stinging and tingling sensations involved, followed by temporary puffiness and redness.